Muskingum University granted master’s degrees at its twenty-fifth graduate commencement exercises, held May 4 in Brown Chapel on the campus. The address was delivered by 1987 alumna Mary Hetrick Kaufmann.

“Throughout your careers you will serve others in countless ways,” said Susan S. Hasseler, President of Muskingum University, during the ceremony. “Through you, lives will be changed and communities will be strengthened. You will have a profound impact on the world, and for that you have earned our deepest admiration.”

In her address, Mrs. Kaufmann encouraged the graduates that each of them have the ability to be an influence and to “prepare not only your mind but your heart. Put the interests of others before your own. Remember, you will change your corner of the world.”

Recognizing her distinguished career and lifetime of achievement, the University bestowed upon Mrs. Kaufmann an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

Mrs. Kaufmann graduated with her Muskingum Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Mrs. Kaufmann is the Chief Learning Officer at Pillar Technology, a consulting company intersecting strategy, innovation and technology to position its clients at the top of their industries. She leads Pillar’s deployment of innovative onboarding and ongoing learning systems, enabling Pillar and clients’ team members to maximize their daily learning experiences, launch innovative new products, and solve complex business problems.

Before joining Pillar, Mrs. Kaufmann was a member of the Muskingum University faculty, as Assistant Professor in Informatics for the Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology (MISST) program. She previously served in strategic positions at Ameritech (now AT&T) and The Longaberger Company.

A community volunteer for many civic organizations, she is an active member of the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance and served as a past member of the Board of Directors with the Muskingum County Business Incubator and the Muskingum Family Y. She is a frequent speaker, helping organizations to leverage creative team practices to produce growth and innovation.

She shares her Long Magenta Line heritage with her husband Brad Kaufmann, Class of 1988; her sister Cheryl Hetrick Carpenter, Class of 1986; and her brother-in-law Scott Carpenter, Class of 1988. She and Mr. Kaufmann are the proud parents of Emily and William.

Candidates for degrees were presented by Vice President of Academic Affairs James Callaghan. The degrees were conferred by President Hasseler, Muskingum University Trustee and alumnus Gordon Spillman, Vice President of Graduate and Continuing Studies Dr. Mark Sanford, and Department of Education Chair Dr. Rae Harriott White.